If everything Gandalf had witnessed before could still find some trace of familiarity in memory, then the portal before him was truly something beyond comprehension.
Whether it was magic, the undead, or masterful forging techniques, these were all things that naturally existed in this world.
But this... this was the exception.
"This is not something that belongs to Arda."
He gazed at the Nether portal before him, lost in contemplation for a considerable while.
"But since it exists, it must have been permitted by higher powers. I believe it represents a new theme in the Great Music. Unfortunately, I won't be able to witness what lies beyond with my own eyes."
"There's not much worth seeing," Garrett said at the right moment. "Inside there's only magma, rocks, some ruined structures, and the remnants of creatures."
That's what he said, but if one truly considered it, according to the setting, the Nether might actually be the remains of some primordial being. The ruins within were likely relics of a civilization from the Elder Days.
"It sounds somewhat like the depths of Khazad-dûm."
Gandalf shook his head and sighed.
"To be honest, everything here has given me quite a shock. Especially the fact that you're managing such a vast territory entirely on your own. Before I entered, I assumed there would be many inhabitants here, not... constructs."
Just as he spoke, an iron golem slowly approached, regarding the rare guest and scratching its head thoughtfully.
Then it offered a small red poppy.
"Oh, thanks."
Gandalf gently accepted the little flower and carefully tucked it away.
Clang, clang, the iron golem, having delivered its gift, turned around with heavy steps and returned to its patrol route.
This iron golem, quite courteous. Even presents flowers, though it's clearly not a child.
"There are many things I have to handle by myself," Garrett explained briefly.
Still, if there were residents requiring protection, he wouldn't hesitate to provide it. Perhaps... it was time to consider such matters.
Unlike Halbarad, who came and departed in haste.
When Garrett invited Gandalf to remain a few more days, the wise old wizard didn't even hesitate before agreeing, promptly claiming a guest chamber. Of course, he maintained perfect courtesy, always respectful with Garrett and answering every one of his questions thoroughly and honestly.
Spending time with Gandalf felt very natural to Garrett. Whether in terms of knowledge or bearing, this wizard was no less impressive than Elrond. The two simply projected different atmospheres, Gandalf was more approachable compared to Elrond's formal dignity.
---
Several days passed swiftly. That morning, Gandalf came to find Garrett and greeted him.
"My gratitude for your hospitality these past days. But I must take to the road once more."
"Alright. May your path be smooth and free of obstacles."
Gandalf nodded and said, "It has truly been a memorable encounter. Especially your cooking, I'm almost reluctant to depart."
"Ha! I have a hobbit friend who said the same thing."
"A hobbit friend? That makes perfect sense. With your culinary skills, few hobbits would turn you away from their door. Well then, time waits for no one. I must embark on another journey."
Gandalf, carrying the provisions Garrett had given him, prepared to continue his travels.
"Adventure?" Garrett inquired. He felt a familiar restlessness. If the Nether didn't count, it had been quite some time since he'd last went out.
On the other side, Gandalf looked at Garrett and nodded again.
"Yes, adventure. I do have certain tasks requiring attention. Of course, if someone were willing to accompany me..."
---
A short while later, Garrett, clad in pitch-black netherite armor, sat atop his swiftest horse equipped with diamond barding, and asked, "Where are we going?"
Gandalf fell silent.
"Garrett, we're embarking on an adventure, not marching to war. That mount... I suggest you return it to stable. Also, you'd do well to maintain a lower profile, like myself. It will help us remain hidden in the wild."
"Ah, good point," Garrett agreed, glancing down at his own equipment, then at Gandalf's appearance.
He had to admit, Gandalf's grey robes truly were ideal travel attire, weather-resistant, unremarkable, and above all, practical. But he had grown accustomed to venturing forth in full armor lately, and suddenly removing it made him feel... a bit exposed.
Eventually, after Gandalf's repeated encouragement, he reluctantly removed his helmet and stored it away. He donned a wide, plain linen cloak that completely concealed his dark armor. With the hood raised, he appeared just like another wandering wizard.
Truth be told, netherite armor possessed excellent design. It didn't appear bulky or cumbersome, maintaining a rather sleek profile. As for mobility, he suffered no hindrance whatsoever.
At this moment, he resembled a weathered ranger of the wilderness. Well, perhaps more like a wandering knight, since most Rangers wore leather armor.
"This... this will suffice, I suppose. Provided the armor isn't too heavy for you."
"No problem," Garrett replied simply.
When it came to weight, he could essentially ignore such concerns.
"Then let us depart," Gandalf said, gesturing toward a particular direction.
Garrett looked where he pointed.
"The Misty Mountains?"
"Indeed," Gandalf nodded. "The orcs there have been unusually active lately. Bold enough to prowl near Rivendell itself. I suspect they may be engaged in some secretive business. I must investigate their intentions."
Garrett was quiet for a moment.
"I actually know something about that. Eh... to be honest, they might be after me. Some time ago, they sent several hundred warg-riders to assault my stronghold, but I wiped out most of them. And things have been pretty quiet around here ever since."
"...What exactly did you do to earn such enmity?"
Garrett glanced at his reputation statistics:
[Misty Mountains Orcs Reputation: -370 (Mortal Enemy)]
"Nothing much, really. Like I said, I just took out a few hundred of their warg cavalry."
Gandalf stared at Garrett for an extended moment.
"Very well, let's accept that explanation. That resolves half the mystery. But beyond the disturbances west of the Misty Mountains, the orcs have also planted numerous spies in the eastern regions. Several strongholds that were destroyed during the ancient Dwarf-Orc wars have now been reoccupied by orc forces. I still cannot fathom what they're scheming."
He shook his head, troubled by the situation in the east.
"I see... then it's definitely worth a visit."
Thus far, Garrett hadn't traveled farther east than Rivendell. And now, having a guide familiar with Middle-earth to lead him on an adventure sounded like a pretty good deal.